The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020.
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Abadia Retuerta Cuvee El Campanario 1996 750ml
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020.
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Firm and polished, this wine is closed right now but shows concentration and balance, with notes of toast, coffee and cassis. Modern in style, it comes off as a bit too sculpted. Tasted three times, with consistent notes. Best from 2000 through 2005.